Modern Side Saddle Riding
The Art of Riding Sidesaddle
Would it surprise you that after women shook that old image to ride astride like men, that many women are reverting back to riding sidesaddle? The modern day horse show has started to add sidesaddle classes to their agenda. Back in the 1970's was the first sign of a growing but small movement towards reviving the art of sidesaddle riding. I got my first glimpse of sidesaddle riding in person in the mid 1980's when a friend took up the art.
If you are unaware or not sure about how sidesaddle riding came about then I highly suggest you read the history of the side saddle at this link:
The history of the side saddle
So where do people buy sidesaddles nowadays? Are they still made? Yes sidesaddles are still made today. Many well known saddle companies have a line of side saddles. Side saddles come in Western and English style just like the regular astride saddles. Here is a link to a variety of new sidesaddles that are available today:
Sidesaddles
Sidesaddle riding is different in that both of the woman's legs are on one side of the saddle. The saddle not only is designed to balance with an off center rider but has a special girth to keep the saddle in place. The rider also carries a long dressage whip to give the leg signals to the horse on the side of the horse that their legs are absent from. There are a few books and DVD's on the subject of side saddle riding and how to do it safely and properly. I have found these books and DVD's to be helpful:
How to ride side saddle - books and DVD's
What sidesaddle rider would be complete without the garments that put the art of sidesaddle riding back into the limelight. Most side saddle riders that compete in the show ring try to recreate the dresses of the period. Some dress up like the Victorian era, while others dress like the bar saloon ladies of the Gold Rush. A whole industry has cropped up to cater to making dresses or sewing patterns for side saddle riders. Here are a few links to ready made outfits and sewing patterns for sidesaddle riders.
Sewing patterns for side saddle outfits
Victorian boots
Elegant riding hats
The art of riding side saddle looks like it is still gathering a fan following with Civil War reenactments and Renaissance fairs all over the USA, in addition to the horse shows. See if there is some side saddle riding exhibition in your area.
Published by Jan S
Published author, freelance writer and webmaster. Available as a ghost writer and blog article writer. Contact theknowledgelady[AT]gmail.com Expertise in the following areas: Technology, entrepreneurship, ho... View profile
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4 Comments
Post a CommentHey, Elizabeth, I wouldn't want to be riding a horse that rears and goes over backwards in a regular saddle! That is great to hear that your grandmother was a horse trainer and a side saddle one at that.
David, men have used sidesaddles in the past. There was an especially popularity of sidesaddles after WWI. The soldiers wanted/needed to ride but were missing parts of their legs. Some of them had to use sidesaddles to the right because of this.
My grandmother was a horse trainer and did it sidesaddle. The sidesaddle is a very secure way to ride with only one real drawback; you don't want to be in one if your horse rears and goes over backwards.
Still only for women? Seems archaic, like women's bikes with no crossbar to allow for a long dress or skirt - likewise sidesaddle rifing.